The Collect for the Memorial of St. George, Martyr:
“Extolling your might, O Lord, we humbly implore you, that, as Saint George imitated the Passion of the Lord, so he may lend us ready help in our weakness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever”
Reflection
St. George lived in the 200s and was probably martyred during the persecution of Diocletian. All we know is that he was a soldier who was killed for not renouncing his faith. Our prayer draws on his example of dying for the faith and asks quite simply that he helps us in our weakness. St. George is also known as one of the 14 Holy Helpers, meaning there’s a long standing tradition of trusting his intersession.
So, for your daily contribution to the Church’s collection of prayer,
Ask yourself if you are willing to die for the faith. St. George gave up a high position in the Roman army because he was faithful to Christ and then he gave up his life. Do you love money, your job, or your life more than the faith? The courage to die a martyr requires a special grace, so pray to have that graced courage should you ever be faced with that choice. Perhaps you won’t need to die for the Lord, but you will have to sacrifice something. Ask St. George to pray that you have the courage to embrace the little martyrdoms you face in your life. Then spiritually unite that prayer to all the Masses throughout the world today. That way, when the priest says “Let us pray,” you can be a part of that “us” even if you don’t get to attend Mass.
Extra Option: We don’t know much about his life, but there is an excellent historical fiction book about St. George by Taylor Marshall. I recommend you read it if you’re looking for some good fiction and a chance to fill in your image of who St. George was.
